100 Most Wanted – Heading to Europe

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho said recently that Neymar “will play at Barcelona”. The question is whether it will be this summer or after

the 2014 World Cup. An undisclosed payment in Barcelona’s accounts is believed to be a down-payment on a future deal.

The 21-year-old attacker, who will form the fulcrum of the Brazil attack when they are hosts next year, has now played more than 100 games for Santos. Europe beckons, but his complicated registration – only 55 per cent is held by Santos – may delay matters.

Bernard Atletico Mineiro

Striker with pace, intelligent movement and cool finishing, he was the revelation of last year’s Brazilian Championship. He nearly went to Russia in the last transfer window.

Ruben Botta Tigre

Left-footed attacking midfielder, he has made dramatic strides in the last few months – and with his contract about to expire, his Italian passport has not gone unnoticed in Serie A.

Nicolas Castillo Universidad Catolica

The Chilean club turned down an offer of €3.3million for the centre-forward in January from an unnamed Bundesliga club. Milan, Fiorentina and Udinese are now also interested.

Ricardo Centurion Racing

The 20-year-old midfielder’s move to Anzhi fell through in January following concerns over a knee injury, but their interest could be revived in the summer.

Jesus Corona Monterrey

The attacker who starred against Chelsea in the Club World Cup will be out of contract in the summer. La Liga awaits.

Luis Farina Racing

After rejecting a US$5million bid from CSKA Moscow earlier this year, Racing are steeling themselves for a wave of more substantial offers for their attacking midfielder.

Lisandro Lopez Arsenal

Arsenal, the club from the Greater Buenos Aires area, have resisted several past offers for the centre-back but, at 23, the next transfer window is the time for him to move.

Sunday Mba Warri Wolves

The scorer of the winning goal in this year’s African Nations Cup Final. English and German clubs lead the chase for his signature, but red tape and contractual disputes are muddying the waters.

Leandro Paredes Boca Juniors

Juan Roman Riquelme named him as the successor to the no10 shirt at Boca, but there might not be time for him to impress at the Bombonera as a number of European clubs are keen.

Guido Pizarro Lanus

The dynamic midfielder’s move to Fiorentina fell through at the final hour last August, but he has impressed again this season at the heart of Lanus’ engine room.

Nacho Scocco Newell’s Old Boys

Together with Maxi Rodriguez and Gabriel Heinze, the striker returned to Newell’s to help the club battle relegation. But, at 27, he is the youngest of the trio and attracting interest from Europe.

Luciano Vietto Racing

The talented forward is likely to be the subject of several bids come summer after an assured debut season in the first team.

Joaquin Correa Estudiantes

The midfielder has already been the subject of enquiries from Internazionale.

Sebastian Cristoforo

Penarol

Combative midfielder who is capable on the ball. Future leadership material, who will surely be on the move before long.

Dede Vasco da Gama

The Brazil international defender has been linked with a move to Europe for some time. This summer could be his moment.

Doria Botafogo

Tall, left-footed centre-back, mature beyond his 18 years who has attracted the interest of Juventus.

Diego Laxalt Defensor

One of the finds of the recent South American Under-20 Championship. Dynamic left-footed midfielder who is set to join Internazionale.

Paulinho Corinthians

Strong, versatile midfielder who excels at bursting into the box. The outstanding figure in an epic two years for his club and a player who should have few problems adapting to European football, especially after previous spells in Lithuania and Poland.

Gino Peruzzi Velez Sarsfield

A number of Italian clubs are keeping tabs on this promising right-sided Argentina international.

Jorge Rojas Cerro Porteno

After the next transfer window Benfica are tipped to be the beneficiaries of this exciting talent, full of direct, strong running, who can feature in midfield or as a wing-back.

Stoppila SunzuTP Mazembe

A contractual dispute that prevented the Zambia defender from joining Reading in January has now been resolved. A move to England remains on the cards.